World Vision and partners respond to emergency needs of quake survivors

Following three succeeding earthquakes that hit southern Mindanao last month, World Vision launched its relief operations to help the affected families of Kidapawan City, Makilala, and Tulunan in Northern Cotabato.

To complement the efforts of the local government, World Vision provided non-food items such as hygiene kits (bath and laundry soaps, toothbrushes and toothpastes, sanitary packs, nail cutter, undergarments and malong or tube skirt), jerry cans, mosquito net, mats, and blankets, and emergency shelter kits (tarp and rope) among others.

World Vision also focused its efforts to address the special needs of children affected by the quake. Interventions such as child-friendly spaces and temporary learning centers provided children with psychosocial support and a safe place to learn and play.

As of November 12, World Vision has reached at least 947 affected families with emergency shelter kits, hygiene kits, non-food items, and clean water kits (459 in the City of Kidapawan and 488 in the Municipality of Tulunan), 602 affected children with psychosocial support through child-friendly spaces in school-based evacuation centers in the City of Kidapawan, and 354 school children with 2 temporary learning spaces in their affected school in the Municipality of Makilala.

With the help of generous individuals and companies like Owndays Philippines, J&J, Emerson, Nexus, and RichMedia Inc., the aim to assist 1000 families or 5000 individuals will soon be achieved.

More Help is Needed

Bringing help to the hard-hit earthquake sites are not without challenges. In Tulunan, World Vision response team had to brave the landslide-prone areas in order to reach the survivors including the indigenous tribe B’laan.

“Every day since the quake, we had to walk at least two hours to go here and wait for help,” said 5-month pregnant Chona. She leaves her makeshift shelter at 6 o’clock in the morning and goes back at around 4 in the afternoon, depending on the schedule of relief distributions.

Analiza, another B’laan from a different sitio shared, “We have no choice but to do this. Most of us are farm workers, but our farms were damaged not only by the quake but by the landslides. It’s not easy.”

While help has reached some of the quake-affected families, challenges remain to rebuild their communities, and to start with their lives anew.

"Thank you for partnering with us as we help fellow Filipinos affected by the Mindanao earthquake. Much needs to be done and we hope that God will continue to enable us to help reach the most vulnerable children and communities”, says World Vision Executive Director Rommel Fuerte.

To know more about World Visions work and how to help our fellow people affected by the Mindanao Earthquake, please visit https://wvph.co/DonateforCotabato. You may also call World Vision at (02) 8372-7777 or (0917) 866-4824.

For more information and updates, you may follow /worldvisionph on Facebook and @worldvisionphl on Instagram.

About World Vision

World Vision is a global Christian relief, development and advocacy organization dedicated to working with children, families, and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender.

Children present Manifesto to government leaders in World Vision National Children’s Congress

(PRESS RELEASE)
In time for the 30th anniversary of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), and the 27th National Children’s Month, World Vision organized a 3-day national children’s congress, attended by more than 140 children across the country. The event, anchored on the theme “Karapatan ng Bata: Ipagdiwang at Patuloy na Pahalagahan”, provided a venue for child leaders to present to government leaders their manifesto which highlights their call for the government and other non-government organizations to address the different issues and concerns that directly or indirectly affect the full attainment of their rights.

Among the issues raised include the lack of support and recognition for Barangay Children’s Associations (BCA), poor health services and poor sanitary conditions in communities, lack of teachers and educational facilities, low family income, bullying and discrimination. Alongside the issues were children’s recommended solutions.

“My life changed after the armed conflict in my city. I wanted to quit studying to help provide for the family but I’m grateful that my parents did not allow me to stop despite our financial challenges. If given a chance, I want to be an accountant someday,” shared Abdullah of Marawi City. The children suggested for provision of income- generating mechanisms to families, as well as access to technical/vocational skills training programs.
National Youth Commission Assistant Secretary Victor Del Rosario who was present during the presentation said that congresses like this are important because they serve as avenues where children may “vent their major issues, concerns and challenges that will be heard by the government for appropriate action”. He added that the government deems the welfare of children very significant in governance.

The Philippine National Police’s (PNP) Women and Children’s Protection Center (WCPC) through Assistant Chief Colonel Robert Gallardo also affirmed its commitment to upholding the rights of children. “Our centers in police stations nationwide can cater to all complaints affecting women and children, and we can protect them.”

Leaders from the Department of Education, Department of Interior and Local Government, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Council for the Welfare of Children, National Committee for Children and Youth Participation, UN Youth Advisory Board, National Commission on Muslim Filipinos - Office of the President were also present during the Children’s Manifesto presentation.

The work continues

“We laud the children for their courage to speak on issues that concern them but we recognize that there is more to be done for them and with them. As a child-focused organization, World Vision will continue to help empower and provide them with venues to come together and amplify their right to be heard and make informed decisions to matters affecting them,” said World Vision Executive Director Rommel V. Fuerte.

“One of the things that stuck with me was the discussion on child protection. I learned where to go when we are abused or taken advantage of,” said Kate of Leyte Province. Meanwhile, Kim from Camarines Norte and a first-time attendee of the children’s congress, shared that he made friends with other children despite coming from different backgrounds and that he enjoyed learning more about the country through the different cultural presentations of his fellow children.

Aside from the crafting of the Children’s manifesto, the 3-day event further discussed the UNCRC principles, sustainable development goals, and the four categories of children’s rights: survival, development, participation and protection.

Towards the end of the congress, a new set of child officers were elected for the World Vision National Children’s Federation (WVNCF), a national assembly of children-representatives from assisted communities. WVNCF advocates for active child participation in achieving safe and protective environment in partnership with parents, local government, non-government organizations, private sectors, communities and institutions.

About World Vision
World Vision is a Christian relief, development and advocacy organization dedicated to working with children, their families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. Inspired by its Christian faith and values, it is dedicated to working with the world’s most vulnerable people. It serves and collaborates with all people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender. https://www.worldvision.org.ph

JessaMae Gabon Releases Digital Single entitled ENSAYADO

JESSAMAE GABON
Jessamae’s authentic voice, style, and musicality conveys the strength and force that makes every Filipino proud… her influences cross between the likes of Carole King, Nina Simone, Lady Gaga, and local ballad singers like Lani Misalucha and Ebe Dancel. Listening to Jessamae’s songs is like listening to the legends and to contemporary poetry. As a singer and songwriter, her passion and love for her Filipino legacy and heritage is strongly interwoven into her soul as a musician. Her songs will simply grip your heart and nourish your soul – there’s nothing like it.
Encouraged by fans and loved ones, Jessamae has released her originally written and composed song entitled “Ensayado” in October of this year. Crafted by musical arranger Jun “JT” Tamayo and produced by label executive Reck Cardinales, this masterpiece was released and published by executive producer RJA Productions LLC and now being distributed on all streaming sites by Curve Entertainment.
The song is a mix of pop-rock and retro style, utilizing fast rhythm and electronic music. Ensayado is a fresh, upbeat, original Filipino song that talks about a common but very personal process of facing one’s reservations. Faced with too many missed chances to speak one’s heart and mind, one can only imagine different ways of what might have been or could have been. Ensayado harbors longing and loneliness submerged under the colorful rhythm and contemporary synths that expresses authentic (siguro puwede pong ‘her personal influences across artists and genres', authenticity is debatable kasi) artistry.

Like a Phoenix Rising, Stronger than Ever…

Starting out as an amateur singer (colloquially known as kontesera), vocal coach, and back-up singer, she began her singing career behind multiple cover albums and as the voice behind many karaoke VCDs. In time, Jessamae grew her experience and began to spread her contemporary influence across various platforms through her voice and the power of her lyrics:
Recipient of South East Asian Region Award for the show “Search for Unsigned Talents in Asia” (SUTASI), produced by Asia Sounds (a Melbourne based music entertainment company, 2007)
Released a contemporary Filipino music entitled “Bagong Henerasyon” under StarMusic (formerly known as Star Records Inc., 2009)
Finalist of the Annual Multi-awarded Gospel Song Writing Competition (Song of Praise Music Festival, 2012)
Song Interpreter of Grand Finalists for Two Seasons (Song of Praise Music Festival, 2012, 2014)
Released her first digital showcase under a channel called DISRUPT, a program featuring Asian performing artists, produced by MediaCorp in Singapore (2014)
Jessamae’s love for Filipino music and instruments grew even deeper in time as she delved into her musical training and as she opened herself to her local culture.

A True Lover of Local Languages, Poetry, and Filipino Sensibilities

Jessamae’s songs are known for the heart-wrenching lyrics and the deeper meaning it conveys to every listener.
As the writer of her songs, Jessamae shares that her songs reflect her personal experiences, the inner workings of her thoughts, and the depth of her soul.  It reflects her love for the local languages, poetry, and Filipino sensibilities.
Spreading her wings further, she started to also expand her songwriting gift and love for theater both abroad and locally.
Her most memorable experience was co-writing, co-producing, and singing a number of children’s songs for a popular Singaporean children’s show entitled “Junction Tree”. She also remained as an active member of Teatrong Mulat ng Pilipinas, a puppet theatre group whose works cater to children’s literature and Asian puppet theatre touring around Asia and the world.
To sum up Jessamae and her music, here’s a famous quote from Roy Ayers, “The true beauty of music is that it connects people. It carries a message, and we, the musicians, are the messengers.”

MIDWAY (2019) - The most accurate retelling of the Battle of Midway

This film centers on the battle of Midway. From the bombing of Pearl Harbor, the Dolittle raid, to the eventual attack of the American fleet against the  Imperial Japanese Navy. It showcased the soldiers and pilots that bravely risked their lives to fight the enemy. Each member of the star-studded cast represented a real hero in the Pacific war.

According to some historians, this is the most accurate retelling of the battle of Midway. Director Roland Emmerich (Independence Day, The Day After Tomorrow, 2012, Godzilla) tried to squeeze as many historical figures in his movie. But the main asset of the movie are the aerial and navy battle scenes that make up most of the film. You'll get a first-person view of the planes diving and bombing the enemies' battleships, bullets flying through the air. What a sight to behold !

With an all-star cast led by Ed Skrein, Patrick Wilson, Luke Evans, Dennis Quaid, Darren Criss, Nick Jonas, Mandy Moore, Woody Harrelson, Aaron Eckhart, Keean Johnson, and a handful of Japanese actors. Get to know more of the famous battle in the Pacific. Stay for the end-credits.
Rated PG-13. From Summit Entertainment. Now showing !

  

World Vision launches response to Mindanao quake

6 November 2019 - Following the recent earthquakes in southern Mindanao, child-focused development and humanitarian agency World Vision launches its relief operations for the affected people of Northern Cotabato, including the city of Kidapawan and the hard-hit towns of Makilala and Tulunan.

“We are committed to support the government-led response in Mindanao. World Vision in the Philippines is particularly concerned for the well-being of children“, says World Vision’s National Director Rommel Fuerte,

In the morning of October 16, magnitude 6.3 earthquake of tectonic origin, hit the province of North Cotabato, with the epicenter located in the town of Tulunan. Days after, another quake of greater magnitude occurred from almost the same location. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) recorded a 6.6-magnitude earthquake, followed by another equally strong quake on Oct. 31 at 6.5 magnitude with a shallow depth of 2 kilometers which triggered more destruction and risk in the province.

Based on the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC, Nov 5), the series of earthquakes affected about 188,583 persons or 37,716 families in Regions XI and XII. Over 28,070 persons are currently taking shelter in 32 evacuation camps. Meanwhile, there are 1,493 more families being served outside of the evacuation centers.

“They are in a state of shock and as per report Cotabato is going to be more susceptible to aftershocks in the coming days. We are appealing to our partners and fellow Filipinos for support so that we can respond to the immediate needs of displaced children and their families. We can do more together”, added Fuerte.

A total of 1,075 schools were damaged, including about 26 totally damaged. According to the Department of Education, more than 3 million students are affected due to suspension of classes. Today, child-friendly spaces will be set up to provide psychosocial support to help children cope from the calamity, while temporary learning spaces will also be provided in coordination with the affected schools.

Complementing the government’s massive emergency operations in the province, World Vision complements and provides non-food items such as hygiene kits (bath and laundry soaps, toothbrushes and toothpastes, sanitary packs, nail cutter, undergarments and malong or tube skirt), jerry cans, non-food items (mosquito net, mats and blanket), emergency shelter kit (tarp and rope) among others.

Through the generous support of donors, World Vision aims to initially help 1,000 families or 5,000 individuals.

To know more about World Visions work and how to help our fellow people affected by the Mindanao Earthquake, please visit https://wvph.co/DonateforCotabato. You may also call World Vision at (02) 8372-7777 or (0917) 866-4824.

For more information and updates, you may follow /worldvisionph on Facebook and @worldvisionphl on Instagram.

About World Vision

World Vision is a global Christian relief, development and advocacy organization dedicated to working with children, families, and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender.

TERMINATOR DARK FATE - Impressive CGI and action pieces !

After more than two decades, James Cameron returns to the franchise he created - the Terminator series. This time as co- writer and producer, since he is busy with the Avatar sequels. Linda Hamilton also returns as Sarah Connor - the heroine of the first two installments. 

This film ignores all the sequels after Terminator : Judgment Day (T2). Although the plot is some kind of a rehash of the first film, it's actually what we are expecting. An enhanced human soldier is sent from the future to protect the next leader of the resistance. This opens up the series into another trilogy. 

The CGI and action sequences here are state-of-the-art and very impressive, which makes this an enjoyable film to watch. Among the new characters, the augmented super soldier Grace (Mackenzie Davis ) is the stand-out.

It's nice to see Linda Hamilton as the aged Sarah Connor who's been chasing terminators all these years. And Arnold Schwarzenegger as a reformed T-800. Gabriel Luna as the new terminator Rev-9 is powerful but not as formidable as Robert Patrick's T-1000. Although T2 is still my favorite in the series, this is the best sequel after the first two films. 

Directed by Tim Miller who previously helmed Deadpool. Rated PG-13. From 20th Century Fox.  

Tawag Ng Tanghalan’s Myko Mañago releases his first digital single, STUCK.

(Media Release)
Myko Mañago is a jaw-dropping vocal sensation. Myko’s vocal performance is captivating to the soul and soothing to the heart. A three-time defending champion of ABS-CBN’s highly rated Tawag Ng Tanghalan show (an amateur singing competition in the Philippines that airs daily in Its Showtime), he easily became a household favorite in every Filipino home both in the Philippines and abroad. A gifted singer since childhood, Myko cites the Filipino Pop and R&B band, South Border, as his major influence. His musical influence also includes Ne-Yo, Chris Brown, Sam Smith, and Michael Buble.

San Francisco, CA Executive Producer Discovers the Golden Voice

In between TV and radio appearances, Myko also produces his own YouTube vlogs by singing internationally inspired Pop and R&B musical covers and posts them on his personal channel.

As fate has it, these YouTube videos caught the attention of SF based RJA Productions LLC, and immediately called their local team in the Philippines to get in touch with the hottest new singing sensation. To the words of CEO Rosabella Jao-Arribas:

 “Myko has a golden voice… it’s very, very soothing… gave me goosebumps when I first heard him sing. I just knew I found a real gem. The world needs to applaud such talent.”

Myko Launches His First Digital Single, “Stuck”

In search for his debut album’s carrier song, RJA Productions LLC chanced upon an incredible song called “Stuck” from Robster Evangelista, a famous young composer who has a string of hit songs under his sleeve. Arranged by seasoned guitarist and musical director Jun “JT” Tamayo and produced by veteran label executive Reck Cardinales, “Stuck” got its final nod for its commercial release just recently. The music video is now also available in YouTube.

“Stuck” is a nice, easy-listening type of song reminiscent of the coolness of Bruno Mars’ “Just The Way You Are”.  It is about how true love works in mysterious ways, leading you to someone who is destined for you… with whom you will be happily “stuck” with for the rest of your life. If you are one of those people who’s having a hard time expressing your true feelings, this song will resonate with you! This is the best song to get “stuck” with…especially on a traffic jam!  Your destiny might be listening to the same song, somehow, somewhere!

Stuck is published by RJA Productions LLC and  distributed in all digital platforms by Curve Entertainment.


A Regular Guy with an Extraordinary Voice and Dream

Just like anyone else, Myko enjoys various sports including badminton, swimming, basketball, and volleyball. He also loves eSports using Moba games, first person shooting games, and MMORPG games.

He grew up with very supportive parents. His Dad is from Iloilo and his Mom is from his current hometown, Cavite City. He grew up loving music and started to explore his newfound love for singing at an early age of 9.

His jaw-dropping performance at ABS-CBN’s Tawag Ng Tanghalan show is not his only celebrity stint. He also starred in the following TV and radio appearances:
Diz Iz It daily contestant - singing competition (GMA 7)
Wowowin Wil to Win - semi-finalist (GMA 7)
Unang Hirit - viral guest performer of the day segment (GMA 7)
Tee Radio Station - online radio guest

Myko dreams to become a global sensation someday. With his incredible talent, perseverance, and the support of many people - this dream is definitely not that far off… especially with an extraordinary voice like his. As one would say, “It’s just a matter of time…” Looks like we are (gladly) “stuck” with this hottest new Pop and R&B singer from Cavite City. We can’t seem to have enough of his golden voice!